Tactics and Secrets
“Now, in the Age of Destruction, Victory Conditions Industries (‘No battle is won without Victory Conditions.’) is pleased to unveil their latest revolution in the world of assault ’Mechs . . . the Xanthos.”

Parking this mobile gun platform in hindering terrain certainly isn’t the worst thing you could do, as its 21 defense rises to 23 against ranged combat attacks. Once there, you needn’t be too concerned about whether or not anything will still be in range, with a maximum range of 14 on the ballistic range type, Streak Missiles, a starting damage of 5, and a 180-degree arc. An energy range type with a maximum range of 8 and damage of 3 will help take care of any ’Mechs that might decide to threaten its position.

As a Quad ’Mech, “Chikako’s” initial speed of 8 drops to 7 only after it takes 9 damage! Similarly, its attack also decreases slowly, dropping from 10 to 9 to 8 over the course of 13 clicks. Like most Quad ’Mechs, however, once this Xanthos reaches the end of its lifespan, it degrades quickly, eventually reaching 0 speed and attack on its last click.

Adding Dean Sohnle to Chikako (his preferred ’Mech) only makes things better: The ’Mech’s speed, damage, and attack value each increase by 1. He also brings the Outmaneuver special ability, meaning that not much will keep this ’Mech pinned down unless it wants to be.

Chikako’s point value is a modest 211. Combined with Dean Sohnle, the point investment rises to 267. If you’re looking to enhance Chikako’s energy weapon, consider also adding single-use Pulse for an additional 26 points (293 total).

Outside of Chikako (meaning “son of wisdom”), Dean Sohnle will bring his +1 modifiers to the speed, attack, and defense values of any assault ’Mech for 28 points. Unlike most other Quad ’Mech pilots, Sohnle’s speed modifier applies to both Quad ’Mechs and their bipedal ’Mech counterparts.

Design Notes
The Xanthos tested the limits of the Quad ’Mech base for us, as the Sculpting department knew it would. Creative positioning and posing eventually got it to the point where we wanted and needed it to be. I can’t say that we’ll see any other assault-class Quad ’Mechs anytime soon, but now we know – and knowing is half the battle. Quad ’Mech development in general was no easy task; it took several iterations before the final incarnation became clear. (At one point, we had even removed their rear arcs to try to compensate for their perceived weakness of no free spins!) Eventually everything came together, and the Quad ’Mechs are finally striding out onto the battlefield. How long before a classic design makes an appearance? Maybe sooner than you think. . . .